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​Agricultural Infrastructure Engineering Agro-Processing​ Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
​Mechanization and Precision Agriculture

To respond to energy challenges in a​​griculture, design low-cost and affordable renewable energy technologies for improved, efficient and sustainable production systems.

ACTIVITIES:

1. SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY

  • Solar/air drying 

  • System modelling

2. WIND ENERGY

  • Windmill​​ pumps and dual energy engine driven pumps

3. BIO-ENERGY

  • Bio-diesel pr​​oduction and analyses

  • 2nd Generation – lignocellulos​​e to bio-ethanol and butanol

  • Thermal conversion (Pyrolysis​​, Gasification, & Combustion)

4. WASTE-TO-ENERGY

  • B​​iogas energy

  • Biodigestate as ​green fertilizer

  • High-Value products from anaerobic dig​​estion (VFAs, fibres, H2 & Bedding for livestock)

5. SOLAR PV

  • Focus on PV systems and​ feasibility studies for farm buildings​​

6. MICRO HYDROPOWER

  • Harnessing the energy of flowing wa​​​ter and putting th​at energy to mechanical or electrical use

7. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  • Agricultural systems​

8. SAMPLE TESTING

  • ​​​Renewable energy laboratory: For a quotation (price list) please contact Dr Idan Chiyanzu at chiyanzui@arc.agric.za or Ms Primrose Magama at magamap@arc.agric.za​

  • Sample submission form that must accompany all samples sent for testing in the renewable energy laboratory (Download pdf)

  • Brochure on Biogas and Biohydrogen Laboratory Testing Services (Download pdf​)​​

(See publication list for publications on renewabl​e energy technologies)

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Wild Liipia javanica (Lemon Bush)  

Essential oils business is a niche farming business. In an effort to reduce barriers for emerging farmers, the ARC-Agricultural Engineering Campus has upgraded its laboratory to include essential oil quality analysis services. (Read more...)

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Solar Dryer
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Cross-flow hydro power turbine​ 

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ARC’S SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM FOR BIOGAS PROJECTS SUPPORT

For starting and existing ventures in biogas, the Agricultural Engineering division of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) offers services within its technical and commercial areas of expertise for biogas generation and maximization at the client’s facility. Read more ....

methane potential testing system-small.jpgMethane potential testing system

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 Unheated biogas system
Turbine & generator


 

 

 

 

 

 

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